Local firms prepare for major project in Varde

Article published by JydskeVestkysten on November 20

How will a new 37-billion-DKK data center impact Varde Municipality? Local companies now have the chance to be part of the project.

Ølgod: Local businesses in Varde Municipality now have a concrete opportunity to bid on tasks related to the upcoming data center that atNorth plans to build at Krageris, north of Ølgod.

This will happen through a new collaboration between atNorth and ProVarde. For clarity, the data center is currently in the planning phase, and the proposed location as a city zone in open land must still be approved by the authorities.

Insight into Each Other’s Needs

The goal of the collaboration is to give both atNorth and local suppliers early insight into each other’s needs and capabilities, so regional businesses are well positioned when contracts are offered.

According to a press release from ProVarde and atNorth, transparency about opportunities is especially important. ProVarde has therefore launched a website where interested parties can find information.

The construction of the data center – which, together with 40 hectares of greenhouses, has a total budget of around 37 billion DKK – will take place in several phases over multiple years.

atNorth states that a main contractor will manage the construction and involve subcontractors, prioritizing local actors. During the most intensive construction periods, several hundred craftsmen and technicians are expected on site daily.

Hiring Local Staff

atNorth highlights that they will begin recruiting operational staff early and expect to draw from both local and national candidates. Only for highly specialized roles will international recruitment occur. Operations will also include service tasks such as cleaning and security, which the company intends to source from local suppliers under clear requirements.

The company points to experience from its data center in Akureyri, northern Iceland, as a model. There, 95% of the construction workforce was local, and a stable local organization has since been built. atNorth also collaborates with technical schools and universities in Iceland, donating equipment and offering internships.

The same principles will now guide development in Varde. According to the press release, the goal is for the data center to be not just a technological investment but also a lasting engine for local business development.

The Project

The total project area is 175 hectares. The 37-billion-DKK project is expected to be built in two stages. The first stage will establish a data center and two greenhouses, with operations starting at the end of 2027. The second stage is expected to be operational in 2029.

The data center will cover 250,000 square meters with a building height of 20 meters. In addition, technical facilities of five meters will bring the total height to 25 meters. Between 60 and 200 chimneys, each 25 meters high, will be installed for backup power systems.

• Expected number of employees: 100
• Developer: atNorth (Iceland/Switzerland)

The greenhouses, 10 meters high, will be constructed of steel and glass. Four greenhouses, each 100,000 square meters (10 hectares), will be built – totaling 400,000 square meters (40 hectares). A rainwater basin will be constructed to supply the greenhouses.

• Expected number of employees: 400
• Developer: Swedish company Wa3rm

Read the full article in Danish.